Kenny Marshall Picture taker (I’ve photographed a lot of places across Scotland, but I think Sgùrr an Fhidhleir (The Fidder) might just have become my new favorite viewpoint)
Walk by the Spirit
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 ESV)
This verse begins a new section of chapter 5, following a section in which some believed that circumcision was a necessary part of salvation. There were also other problems that were causing distress among believers. Paul explains that the gospel called them to freedom from the law and that they were to use their freedom to serve one another. He points out to them that the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Our verse begins a new section, in which Paul teaches on keeping in step with the Spirit. In contrast with the previous section, our verse begins with “But” followed with what we should do. We are to “walk by the Spirit” and if we do, we “will not gratify the desires of [our] flesh.”
At the end of this section, Paul says, 24 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” To crucify the flesh is to die to self and walk in step with the Spirit’s leading. As we walk in step with the Spirit and not according to the flesh, we fulfill the righteous requirement of the law (Romans 8:4). We are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14 ESV).
Before God stepped into our lives, we had much to be ashamed of. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:1 – 5 ESV: 1 “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”
There are two words that stand out in the above paragraph: “But God” at the beginning of verse 4. By grace we have been saved because God made us alive together with Christ. The very least we can do is to walk by the Spirit so as not to fall back to our former way of life and gratify the desires of the flesh.
Father thank you for choosing us and causing us to be born spiritually. Thank you that salvation is a gift of grace out of your love for us.
The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT
Summary Theme
Walking by the Spirit Brings Victory Over the Flesh
Summary Paragraph
Galatians 5:16 teaches that the Christian life is not lived by human determination alone but through continual dependence on the Holy Spirit. Paul commands believers to “walk by the Spirit,” describing a daily pattern of living under God’s guidance and power. The sinful nature (the flesh) continually seeks to draw believers away from God’s will, but the Holy Spirit empowers them to resist sinful desires and live lives that honor Christ. Victory over sin is not achieved merely by keeping rules but by cultivating a close relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and surrender to the Spirit’s leading. As believers consistently walk with the Spirit, their thoughts, desires, and actions are increasingly transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:
1. What does Paul mean by “walk by the Spirit”?
Answer:
To “walk by the Spirit” means to live each day under the direction, influence, and power of the Holy Spirit. The word “walk” describes a continuous lifestyle rather than an occasional spiritual experience. It involves seeking God’s guidance through His Word, responding to the Spirit’s conviction, maintaining a consistent prayer life, and choosing obedience even when it is difficult. Walking by the Spirit means allowing God to shape our attitudes, decisions, relationships, and priorities. It is an ongoing relationship of trust in which believers rely on God’s strength instead of their own abilities.
2. What are “the desires of the flesh,” and why are they a struggle for every believer?
Answer:
The “flesh” refers to the sinful nature that remains active even after a person becomes a Christian. It includes selfish ambitions, pride, lust, anger, jealousy, greed, bitterness, and every desire that opposes God’s will. Although believers have been given new life in Christ, they still experience a daily conflict between the old sinful nature and the new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This struggle reminds believers of their continual need for God’s grace and strength. Victory is found not by trusting human willpower but by submitting to the Spirit’s transforming work.
3. How does walking by the Spirit produce lasting spiritual victory?
Answer:
Walking by the Spirit changes the believer from the inside out. Rather than merely suppressing sinful behavior, the Holy Spirit transforms the heart, producing new desires that increasingly align with God’s character. As believers spend time in Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other Christians, the Spirit strengthens their faith and develops spiritual maturity. This ongoing transformation results in the fruit of the Spirit becoming evident in everyday life (Galatians 5:22–23). While believers will still face temptation, a life consistently surrendered to the Holy Spirit experiences increasing freedom from the control of sin and growing conformity to Jesus Christ.
Anchor My Faith 
Leave a comment